Go Back
+ servings
Pesto Pasta Salad

Colorful Pesto Pasta Salad: Quick Recipe for Fresh Flavor

Enjoy this Pesto Pasta Salad, a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings with vibrant ingredients and quick preparation.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Bow-tie Pasta
For the Salad's Flavor
  • 3 tbsp Extra-virgin Olive Oil Adjust for taste
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or nut-free substitution allowed
  • 1/4 cup Italian Dressing Homemade for fresher taste
For the Fresh Add-Ins
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Can substitute with arugula
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Grape or diced tomatoes can also work
  • 8 oz Bocconcini (Fresh Mozzarella) Shredded mozzarella as a substitute
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil, and add the bow-tie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Cool Pasta: Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl for easy mixing later.
  3. Add Oil: Drizzle the cooled pasta with extra-virgin olive oil, then toss gently to coat.
  4. Stir in Dressings: Add the basil pesto and Italian dressing to the pasta. Stir well to ensure every bite is infused with the delicious flavors.
  5. Mix Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the baby spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes, and halved bocconcini.
  6. Season to Taste: Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to enhance the dish's overall flavor. Taste it and adjust as needed.
  7. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving for an extra touch.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!